Sunday, 22 January 2012

Three police under investigation for wearing same ID number - Story - National - 3 News

Published:Mon, 23 Jan 2012 5:36p.m.

By 3 News online staff

Three police officers are under investigation after they wore matching ID numbers while carrying out a council-lead operation against Auckland Occupy protestors this morning.

Police were assisting the Auckland City Council to dismantle Occupy tents pitched in four areas around Auckland.

Later in the day, photos emerged of some officers wearing the same ID number - Z557.

It is police policy is for each officer to wear their own identification number.

Police issued a statement this evening saying an employment procedure has commenced into this breach of policy.

Police moved in on four Occupy sites around Auckland this morning, including Aotea Square, 360 Queen St, Victoria Park and Albert Park, serving occupiers with notices regarding to breach of bylaws which prevent camping.

During the operation, two people were arrested and charged with breaching the peace.

They were held in a police van – under heavy police guard – where they could be heard loudly banging inside.

A third protester was also arrested and charged with breaching the peace, although it is unclear where the arrest took place.